US Justice Department Sues Maryland School District Over Transgender Policies
The Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit against Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland, alleging its transgender policies breach two federal laws on student privacy and rights.
Washington, United States. The US Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against a public school district in Maryland, claiming its transgender policies break federal law. The case is the newest step by President Donald Trump’s administration to restrict transgender rights.
The complaint
The complaint was lodged in the US District Court for the District of Maryland against Anne Arundel County Public Schools. It alleges violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).
Earlier, the US Education Department had accused the district of breaking federal law. It said the district treated information about a student’s gender identity as confidential medical information that could not be passed on to parents.
Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General heading the Justice Department’s civil rights division, said on Tuesday that “Schools should not discuss preferred pronouns or ‘gender identity’ with a student without parental notification and consent.”
The district’s response
The school district said it disagrees with the allegations and stands by its compliance with FERPA and PPRA. It added that it had been in regular contact with the Justice Department in good faith and considered the decision to pursue litigation regrettable.
According to its website, the school system covers 128 schools and serves more than 84,000 students.
Wider policy context
The Trump administration has opened federal investigations into educational institutions and has threatened to freeze their federal funding over transgender policies. Trump has described the gender identity of transgender people as a lie and has issued a series of executive actions aimed at their rights. In a directive, he stated that the US government will recognize only two sexes, male and female.
His administration has also targeted educational institutions over other matters, including climate initiatives, pro-Palestinian protests against the Israeli assault on Gaza, and diversity programs. These actions have raised concerns about academic freedom, free speech and due process.
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